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Local government

Homelessness in the UK: Record High Numbers, Calls for Comprehensive Action

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK is experiencing a stark increase in homelessness, with 132,410 households in temporary accommodation as of 30 June 2025, representing the highest number on record. This is a 7.6% increase from the same time last year, with 172,420 children being part of these households. The statistics paint a grim picture, with 8,732 people estimated to be rough sleeping throughout June 2025, a 13% increase from the previous quarter and a 5% increase from the same time last year. Homeless Link, the membership body for homelessness services, is calling for comprehensive action to end the cycle of homelessness and rough sleeping.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of households in temporary accommodation has reached a record high of 132,410 as of 30 June 2025, a 7.6% increase from the same time last year.
  • 172,420 children are part of households in temporary accommodation, representing a 7.5% annual increase.
  • 8,732 people were estimated to be rough sleeping throughout June 2025, a 13% increase from the previous quarter and a 5% increase from the same time last year.
  • 78,630 households were assessed as owed a duty to prevent or relieve homelessness in April to June 2025, a 5.5% decrease from the same period last year, and a 5.8% decrease from the previous quarter.
  • 36,160 households were assessed as being threatened with homelessness and owed a prevention duty, down 4.6% from the same period last year, and a 3.9% decrease from the previous quarter.
  • 42,470 households were accepted as already homeless and owed a relief duty, down 9.4% from the same period last year, and a 7.3% decrease since last quarter.

Statistics:

  • 132,410 households were in temporary accommodation as of 30 June 2025, representing the highest number on record.
  • The number of households in temporary accommodation has increased by 7.6% from 30 June 2024.
  • 172,420 children are part of households in temporary accommodation, representing a 7.5% annual increase.
  • 8,732 people were estimated to be rough sleeping throughout June 2025.
  • 13% increase from the previous quarter (March 2025)
  • 5% increase from the same time last year (June 2024)
  • 78,630 households were assessed as owed a duty to prevent or relieve homelessness in April to June 2025.
  • 5.5% decrease from the same period last year
  • 5.8% decrease from the previous quarter
  • 36,160 households were assessed as being threatened with homelessness and owed a prevention duty.
  • 4.6% decrease from the same period last year
  • 3.9% decrease from the previous quarter
  • 42,470 households were accepted as already homeless and owed a relief duty.
  • 9.4% decrease from the same period last year
  • 7.3% decrease since last quarter

Sources:

  • Homeless Link press release, 16 October 2025
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Statutory Homelessness statistics, April to June 2025
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rough Sleeping Data Framework, April to June 2025

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